Green Beans Almondine Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a simple yet elegant side dish that brings a delightful crunch and buttery garlicky goodness to your table, you’ve got to try this Green Beans Almondine Recipe. This classic French-inspired dish has become one of my absolute favorites to whip up, especially when I want something fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor. Stick with me, and I’ll share everything you need to know to make it perfectly every time — plus some neat tricks to up your game!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Green Beans Almondine Recipe plays its part to make the flavors pop — from the fresh snap of the green beans to the rich, toasty almonds. Let me walk you through what I use and why it works so well.

• Fresh green beans: I always opt for fresh beans that are crisp and bright; they blanch beautifully and won’t get soggy.
• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted lets you control the seasoning better; plus, it lends a creamy richness to the dish.
• Sliced almonds: They toast quickly and add that irresistible crunch and nutty aroma.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with warmth and a subtle kick.
• Kosher salt: Coarse salt brings balanced seasoning to the beans without being overpowering.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice and complexity.

Variations

I love that this Green Beans Almondine Recipe is super adaptable. Over time, I’ve tried a few twists that brought something new to the table, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Add Lemon Zest and Juice: I discovered this trick when I wanted a brighter finish — a splash of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of zest just lift those flavors beautifully.
• Use Toasted Hazelnuts or Pecans: For a seasonal spin, swapping almonds for hazelnuts or pecans adds a cozy autumn vibe I really enjoy.
• Make it Vegan: Simply replace the butter with olive oil and you’re set for a delicious dairy-free version.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes stirred in with the garlic gives a subtle heat that my family goes crazy for.

How to Make Green Beans Almondine Recipe

Step 1: Blanch the Green Beans for Perfect Crunch

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil — this step is key because it seasons the beans right from the start. Drop in your trimmed green beans and cook them for about 6 minutes until they turn a bright, vibrant green and are just tender enough to pierce with a fork. Don’t skip the ice water bath! Transferring the beans immediately to ice water stops the cooking so they don’t get mushy, and it locks in that gorgeous color you want on your plate.

Step 2: Toast the Almonds and Sauté the Garlic

While the beans cool, heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and melt the butter. Toss in the sliced almonds and stir them often — just a minute or so is enough to toast them lightly and bring out their nutty aroma. Then add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, stirring occasionally, so the garlic gets fragrant but doesn’t brown or burn. This is where those delicious flavors really start to come alive.

Step 3: Heat the Beans with Seasoning

Turn the heat up to medium and add your blanched green beans to the skillet along with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together and cook for just 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beans are heated through and evenly coated with that buttery garlic almond mixture. Keep an eye on the garlic so it doesn’t burn at this stage—stirring helps keep things perfect. Then, remove the pan from heat and give the dish a taste to see if it needs a little extra salt or pepper.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Transfer your Green Beans Almondine to a pretty platter — it’s so simple yet impressive looking! I love serving this right away when it’s warm and the almonds still have that lovely toasted crunch. It’s always a hit that feels fresh but special.

How to Serve Green Beans Almondine Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or a few lemon zest strands over the top before serving – it adds a pop of color and a fresh, citrusy aroma that pairs perfectly with the buttery nuts and garlic. If you’re feeling fancy, a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can help carry those flavors even further.

Side Dishes

This Green Beans Almondine Recipe shines alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a cozy steak dinner. My go-to is mashed potatoes or a simple rice pilaf — the green beans bring a fresh contrast to richer main dishes that my family absolutely loves.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like to mound the green beans on a wide platter and scatter extra toasted almonds and lemon zest on top. Another fun idea that my friends enjoyed was serving it in individual small ramekins sprinkled with microgreens for a more refined look — it’s a perfect way to impress guests without a ton of work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Green Beans Almondine store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually let the beans cool fully before refrigerating to maintain texture — and it helps avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I’ve had decent luck freezing blanched green beans separately, but the full finished dish with almonds and garlic doesn’t freeze as well because the texture of the almonds changes. If you want to prep ahead, I recommend blanching and freezing the green beans alone, then doing the almond and garlic step fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

When reheating, I like to warm the Green Beans Almondine gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the beans crisp and prevent the almonds from burning. Microwaving tends to soften the texture too much, so the stovetop is my preferred method.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Green Beans Almondine Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so reliably delicious and elegant with minimal effort. I love how it adds a touch of sophistication to simple green beans, transforming them into a side dish that feels like a celebration. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or entertaining guests, give this recipe a try — I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite go-tos, too!

Print